Would you consider yourself an enthused foodie? Here’s one that you may not be familiar with but makes for a great meal and will transport you south of the border. The well known patacones are a regular meal in Costa Rica that is sure to get your mouth watering for more after the first bite.

Patacones are double-fried rounds of green plantain that are quite easy to make although they do undergo quite a bit of steps and techniques in the cooking process prior to arriving at perfection. The taste of patacones can be described as being sweet and starchy.

Patacones are great for either a meal, appetizer or snacks. At Café Milagro, you’ll find it on our dinner menu. It’s accompanied by a black bean mango salsa & guacamole and is a favorite of many, especially when combined with one of our national beers!

They also go great with a side of refried beans and ceviche. Experience a savory side of Costa Rica today!

Below is the recipe we use at Café Milagro. If you happen to make them at home, please share your experience and a photo on our Facebook page!

Patacones with Black Bean-Mango Salsa & Guacamole

Use about 1 plantain per serving (4-5 patacones per plantain)

1. Peel the plantains, the easiest way to peel a green plantain is to make the lengthwise cut on one of the angles, the cut should be skin deep without touching the actual flesh of the plantain, then use the knife to raise the skin and peel it off.
2. Cut the plantains into thick slices, you can make straight cuts or slightly diagonal cuts.
3. Heat the canola oil over medium high heat in a frying pan – use enough oil to almost cover the plantain slices – or a deep fryer, temperature should be about 350 F, fry the plantains until they start to get yellow, but not golden.
4. Remove the plantains and place on paper towels to drain the oil.
5. Use a tortilla maker or a glass beer bottle bottom to smash and flatten the plantains, do this gently to keep the slices from breaking, a few cracks are ok as long as the whole slice remains in one piece. It is best to do this when they are still warm.
6. Sprinkle the plantain slices with salt.
7. Reheat the oil, temperature should be about 375 F and fry the plantains until golden on each side, about 1-2 minutes per side.
8. Remove from the oil, drain again on paper towels, and add additional salt as needed.

Black Bean-Mango Salsa

• 250 grams – Prepared Black Beans
• 120 grams- Fresh Mango
• 100 grams- Fresh Red Pepper
• 100 grams- Fresh Cilantro
• 30 grams- Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 – Lime Squeezed
• 10 grams
• Salt- 10 grams
• 10 grams- Fresh Black Pepper
• 10 grams- Ground Cumin
• 15 grams- Cumin Seeds
• 200 grams- Red Onion

Makes 6 servings of 120 grams.

Guacamole

• 5- Avocados
• 50 grams- Red Onion
• 50 grams-Fresh Cilantro
• 1 – Lime Squeezed
• 10 grams – Salt
• 10 grams- Fresh Black Pepper
• 10 grams- Ground Cumin
• 15 grams- Cumin Seeds
• 10 grams- Tabasco

Makes 6 servings of 60 grams.

For 20 years, Café Milagro has offered the freshest and finest coffee and food in a vibrant environment in the heart of Manuel Antonio. Come visit us on your next Costa Rica vacation!